Conceptual Modeling and Software Design of Multi-agent Systems

Abstract

We present a framework for conceptual modeling, requirements analysis and design of agent-based systems. The framework is rooted in the Belief Desire Intention (BDI) formalism and extends the Unified Modeling Language (UML) to model multi-agent systems. We introduce several modeling constructs including Agent, Belief, Goal, Plan, FIPA Performative, KQML-Performative, and Blackboard. In addition, we introduce Agent Goal Diagram to model the relationships between the goals and the environment of an agent; Use Case Goal Diagram to model the relationships between use cases and goals; Agent Domain Model to facilitate understanding of domain knowledge of an agent; Agent Sequence Diagram to model interactions within an agent. Similarly, Agent Activity Diagram and Agent Statechart Diagram are introduced. We illustrate the framework through an agent-based intelligent elevator system.